A Heart for Freedom: He longs for freedom, but won’t risk the lives of those he loves.

by Janet S. Grunst

  “Of course.”

  When they entered the kitchen, Sara’s cries were coming from the common room. Mary looked relieved when they entered the room.

  Maggie reached for the baby. “Let me hold that precious girl. Heather, she has your fair coloring, same as Douglas.”

  An hour later, seated around the large table sharing their meal, Heather passed a platter to Adam. “What have you learned of Donald? Is he still in Hampton?”

  “We received a letter from him.” Maggie reached into her pocket and pulled out a post and handed it to Adam. He unfolded it.

  “This first part is dated mid-December.”

  My Dear Family,

  I’m sorry I have not written in a while. I miss all of you, and especially your cooking, Ma. I’m still serving under Colonel Woodford.

  Our detachment of the 2nd Virginia Regiment arrived near a bridge south of Norfolk December 4th. The area is surrounded by water and marsh and some islands and joined to the mainland by causeways. Governor Dunmore’s detachments of the 14th Regiment of Foot, which includes some runaway slaves and Norfolk Tories, were in a wooden fort on the north island. We erected a breast-work opposite their fort and were encamped in front of a church near some houses not far from the southern causeway.

  The British were well entrenched on the other side of the bridge. We were under continual fire but, unlike the enemy, we had no casualties. Most of the bridge was destroyed, and some of the British made their way across it. They burned houses. A contingent of men from Carolina with armaments joined us.

  It is cold and muddy, and we are short of blankets, shoes, and ammunition. How I miss your cooking, Ma, and being home with all of you.

  Later December.

  We took the British fort after they abandoned it, and they suffered numerous losses.

  When they crossed the bridge in the early morning, we took them on. We killed a significant number and did not lose a man.

  January 15th

  I will finally be able to post this. Our forces have been occupying Norfolk with little resistance since most of the Tory merchants have fled. On the first day of the year, British ships in the harbor began shelling Norfolk. I cannot even describe the sound of the continual cannon fire. When the British landed, they began burning what they believed were Whig establishments. We did nothing to stop the flames, and, in truth, contributed by burning what had been Tory properties.

  I miss you all and pray you are well. If we are ever near Alexandria, I hope to be able to visit you.

  Donald

  Heather shuddered. “He sounds so grown up. What happened to the boy?” She handed Sara to Maggie while she took the dishes from the table.

  Adam cleared his throat, his face a mix of pride and emotion. “Donald is eighteen years old now and very much a man. One does not go into battle and come away unchanged.”

  A tear rolled down Maggie’s cheek.

  Mary shifted in her seat. She looked moved by Donald’s letter. “May we be excused, Mama?”

  “Of course, but first, please make sure all is well with the boys.”

  Once Mary and Jean were gone, Maggie came alongside of Heather, leaned over, and gave her a hug. It felt like food to a starving dog. She struggled to hold back the tears always waiting to burst forth. “What should I do to find Matthew?”

  Maggie reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Pray, my dear, as we are. Perhaps Matthew has fallen ill and is recovering someplace.”

  Adam stood, walked to the hearth, and lit his pipe. “If we find one or both of these men, Stephens or Jones, we might get some answers.”

  She wiped a tear from her cheek. “When I asked Matthew where he met them, he indicated Alexandria, though he suggested they may come from Philadelphia. I have searched my memory to try and remember if Matthew told me anything else about them.”

  Adam sat down and shook his head. “I will ask around. Perhaps someone can provide some helpful information. I will notify you if I learn anything. I will also inquire in Leesburg while we are there.”

  At the end of the day when they went upstairs, Maggie approached Heather. “Might we go into your room a minute? I have an idea.”

  Heather nodded, led her inside her bedroom, and closed the door behind them. “What is it?”

  Maggie sat in the chair. “What would you think about Mary coming back to Alexandria with us for a visit? We can pick her up on our way back from Leesburg. The girls enjoy each other, and a few weeks in Alexandria might do her good. Can you do without her for that long?”

  Heather sat on the edge of the bed and considered Maggie’s suggestion.

  “No need to give an answer tonight,” Maggie said. “Think and pray about it. There are assemblies and activities she might enjoy. And it might help her through this time while Matthew is absent.”

  Heather wandered to the window. Winter tended to isolate all of them. With Mary’s wounded friendship with Martha, Matthew’s unexplained absence, and the invasion of their home, Mary’s nerves were as frayed as hers. “Let me speak with her, and I will let you know.”

  The next morning, Heather spotted Mary alone in the kitchen. “Sit with me a moment. Maggie had a suggestion.”

  A radiant smile blossomed across the girl’s face when she relayed Maggie’s offer.

  “Mama, please, I would love to go with them if you can do without me.”

  “Between Polly and me, we can spare you a few weeks.” When Mary threw her arms around Heather, it warmed her heart and removed any doubt about Maggie’s plan. “We have a couple of days to get you ready before the Duncans return from Leesburg.”

  “Do you think Mark will be disappointed to not be included?”

  “That is sweet of you to think of him, but Mark has school, so he will understand. Perhaps there will be another time for him to visit.”

  “May I say something to Jean now?”

  “Let me tell Maggie before you say anything. She will want to tell her family first.”

  “Of course.”

  That night, after rereading Matthew’s letters, Heather wrapped up in a blanket in the chair opposite her bed, took his Bible, and held it close to her. For too many nights she avoided the lonely bed and chose to sleep in the chair. Tears she held back all day were released, often a nightly ritual. She needed to be strong for the children as well as herself.

  Closing her eyes, she grasped Matthew’s Bible. Lord, I cannot do this without You. I need Your strength. Please help me.

  Leaning back in the chair, she relaxed her grip. Where were those notes? She fingered through the Bible and came to some verses she had written out that she found encouraging.

  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

  “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

  “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psalms 32:8

  Those words brought peace. Matthew had reminded her in his letter that God is faithful. She reminded herself of all the Lord had done. She needed to have faith and believe God. She needed to trust that whatever the circumstances, He had a plan, and He would direct her path.

  She would continue to find verses that encouraged her. It would keep her focus where it needed to be—on the Lord. With His help, she would respond in a manner that honored God and do exactly as she needed to do.

  CHAPTER 26

  Three weeks after Mary left with the Duncans for Alexandria, Heather and the boys were sitting at the table after dinner when she heard the sound of an approaching horse. Mark stood and went to the window, and she joined him, her heart skipping a beat. Every day she looked for a rider, one specific rider—Matthew. A coach was headed toward the Green. “’Tis the Duncans and Mary.”

  Mark and Douglas followed her outside.

  “What a welcome sight. Mark, please run
and ask Philip and Todd to mind the horses.”

  Mary got down from the wagon. “Any news of Papa?”

  “Nay. ’Tis so good to have you home.”

  Mary hugged her. “’Tis good to be home.” Once greetings and hugs were exchanged, they went inside.

  Heather took Maggie’s cape. “We have beef-and-barley stew, so please sit down.”

  Maggie set a couple of baskets on the floor near the table. “Some salt and staples I thought you might use.”

  “Many thanks. Tell me what we owe you.”

  “Some more of your smoked pork, but only if you have some to spare.”

  “We have plenty. Thomas and the boys replenished our stock at hog-killing time.”

  The mention of it reminded her again of Matthew, as if he were ever far from her mind. She looked at Adam. Did he have any news?

  Adam looked out the back window. “I have something for Thomas. Is he here?”

  “Aye, he is most likely at the cottage unless he has gone back to work after dinner.” She ladled stew into bowls.

  “I shall find him after dinner.”

  Maggie sliced some bread and took it to the table. “We are going to Leesburg tomorrow to visit my sister and her family. May we stop back in a couple of days?”

  “Certainly. We have had few guests lately, so there should be plenty of room.” She set bowls around the table.

  Mary sat at the table bouncing Sara on her lap. “I should help, but I cannot bear putting Sara down. I missed you so, sweet girl.”

  Heather smiled at Mary. “I’m eager to hear about your visit.”

  Mark tugged at some loose strands of his sister’s hair as he passed by her. “I am glad you are home so I no longer have to get the eggs in the morning.”

  “So nice to be appreciated. I missed you, too.”

  When the meal ended, Sara napped in her cradle. Cameron followed Mark outside to complete his chores while Mary and Jean were persuaded to read to Douglas and William in the common room. Maggie and Adam remained at the kitchen table.

  Heather glanced out the window while she cleaned the dishes. “Adam, Thomas just left the cottage and went to the barn.”

  Adam headed toward the door. “Perhaps we can talk a little later, Heather.”

  “Aye, hurry back. I am eager to hear what you have learned.” From the window, she watched him go first to the carriage and pull out a long, wrapped package before walking toward the barn.

  Maggie brought the last of the dinner dishes to the counter beside her. “How are you? I have been so concerned.”

  “I have good days and difficult days. I must do more to find Matthew.”

  “What more can you do? The word is out and friends are searching for any possible leads.”

  “I know.” She stowed the plates and approached Maggie. “How did Mary do? She had grown so moody here worrying about her father.”

  “I believe her time in Alexandria, with all its distractions, helped her. The girls enjoyed being together and attended an assembly at Carlyle House and a party at the Lamonts.’”

  “It was kind of you to invite her. Has Adam learned anything of Matthew or the two men, Mr. Jones or Mr. Stephens?”

  “Not much, but he will tell you all about it.” Maggie wrapped her arms around Heather.

  The welcome embrace brought on the tears she had hoped to quell. “I pray every day for Matthew’s safety. Mary and Mark know nothing of the two letters he left, but I must tell them something now that Mary is home. I have tried preparing a notice of inquiry to place in the Gazette, but I have felt something holding me back from advertising Matthew’s absence.”

  “Perhaps ’tis wise not to advertise his absence, given the comments in his letters. Adam may have some suggestions when he comes inside. Donald came home for a couple of days as a courier. He was carrying correspondence to someone in Alexandria.”

  “How wonderful that you got to see him, Maggie. How is he?”

  “Older. He is now a man. And ...” She looked around the room. “I believe Donald declared himself to Mary.”

  “Oh, my. I had no idea.”

  “He has been smitten with her for a long time. He told us that when he returns after the hostilities, he plans to court her. I believe he also told her.”

  “I wonder how she responded. I cannot imagine a nicer young man for her, but they are so young.”

  “They are, but they have time to be sure.”

  “I’m grateful you told me so I will be prepared for what Mary may share with me. My heart goes out to them, dealing with such an uncertain future.”

  Heather glanced to the door. Adam must have still been with Thomas. “What was in the package Adam brought for Thomas?”

  Maggie brushed crumbs from her skirt. “Ask Adam.”

  Why was Maggie being evasive?

  A few minutes later, Adam came through the door, removed his jacket, and hung it on one of the pegs. “It has started to rain. We got here none too soon. God willing, ’twill clear by the time we leave tomorrow.” He sat next to Maggie, thumped his fingers on the table, and looked at Heather, his face unreadable.

  “Please tell me what you have learned of Matthew,” Heather said. “And what did you bring in that large bag for Thomas, if you do not mind my asking?”

  “The bag for Thomas has a rifle and a musket in it.” He glanced at Maggie.

  “We have two hunting rifles. Did Thomas ask you for them?”

  “No.” Adam’s perplexing expression answered nothing. “I brought them in the event that there is ... trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble? What do you know?”

  Maggie placed her hand on Heather’s. “There is unrest all about. Fights have broken out between neighbors. We wanted you to be more prepared should the Loyalists make trouble, or if the British army returns to Virginia.”

  “Oh. Do you think that’s possible? I had not considered it. Tell me, Adam, have you learned anything about Matthew?”

  Maggie got up from the table. “I’m going to see what the children are about, so you can talk privately.”

  Adam rubbed his hand along the top of the oak table. “I asked around about those two chaps, Martin Jones and Lucas Stephens. They have both been observed at Whig gatherings.”

  “Where are they?” Her heart beat faster.

  “Ethan Campbell noticed the two at tavern meetings where discussions can get heated. He said they are sympathetic to the Patriot movement. I went with Ethan to the tavern a couple of evenings hoping one or both would show up again. The second time we went, Jones and Stephens were both there.”

  “Did you ask them about Matthew?”

  “I introduced myself and mentioned our friendship and that Matt had spoken well of them. My comment startled Jones. He looked at Stephens and then eyed some of the others in the room. I had the sense Jones wanted to say something, but before we continued the conversation, a couple of suspected Loyalists came over. They were surprised I attended one of these ‘quarrelsome gatherings.’”

  “Is that all you know?” Heather asked. “Surely you pursued the men.”

  “While Stephens and Jones were reserved in their comments, I am convinced they are sympathetic to the Whig cause. I excused myself from the group and approached them when they got up to leave. They were dismissive and suggested they had little contact with Matt. They knew him only as the proprietor of Stewart’s Green. Thinking they might be reluctant to say anything in a public place, I asked to meet with them privately.”

  “Did you meet with them?”

  “Outside of Brady’s shop the next day. I told them about Matt’s unexplained absence and his remark that they were trustworthy. I mentioned his note suggesting they might have information.”

  “What did they say?” Please give me reason to hope.

  “When I told them Matt never returned after his trip in November, and no one had received any word from him or about him, they said nothing for the longest time. But then Stephens said he had b
een near the Green and had heard from one of your neighbors that Matthew had been absent for many weeks.” Adam’s expression turned quizzical. “We talked for quite a while. Virginia has a fair share of people loyal to England, though fewer in Alexandria. I think Stephens and Jones, not knowing my leanings, were initially reluctant to be forthright with me about Matt’s efforts on their behalf, but trust between us built. One does not know who informers might be.” Adam poured himself some water and drank it. “It sounds like Matt was getting involved with the Patriot cause.”

  “What do you mean?” Why had not he told her?

  “Apparently, he had been meeting with folks of a like mind to separate from England.”

  Heather let those words sink in. “He suggested the time was drawing closer and we must choose whether to align ourselves with the Crown or the Patriots. But what does this have to do with Matthew’s not returning home?”

  “Stephens suggested Matt had Patriot connections in Philadelphia and passed information to someone there. ’Tis possible he was intercepted by Loyalists.”

  Her throat tightened, and her heart raced. “He may have been captured. What would they do with him? Imprison him?”

  “Not sure. And not knowing Matt’s location or who he met with, we have no way of knowing if he has been captured or injured or what.”

  Maggie returned to the room, sat beside Heather, and held her hand. “All we can do is pray and hope for some word.”

  “Nay, there must be more. We can go to Philadelphia, ask people what they may know of Matthew, or find out who we should contact.”

  Adam held up his hand. “That might put Matt in greater danger. We are unacquainted with the circumstances surrounding his activities, what he might have been carrying, who is involved, and who might be an adversary.”

  Heather sat back in the chair. Tears filled her eyes as she gazed across the table at Maggie and Adam. They loved Matthew like a brother and would never do anything to put him in more danger, but surely there was some way to learn more. What Adam had told her so far was based only on suppositions.